With lowering carbon emissions being a key focus for the UK government going into 2025, the housing sector will play a crucial role in this shift.
In the UK, buildings account for approximately 20% of total carbon emissions. As a landlord, this means you can contribute to reducing emissions by ensuring your properties are optimised with low-carbon energy systems. Keep reading to find out more.
Government targets for energy efficiency
As part of its ongoing efforts to tackle climate change and improve energy efficiency, the government has set ambitious targets for the housing sector.
By 2035, the aim is for as many properties as possible to be upgraded to at least Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C, which signifies that the home is between 69-80% energy efficient. This is part of the broader strategy to improve the efficiency of rental properties and reduce carbon waste.
Defining traditional and heritage properties
Traditional buildings make up roughly 25% of the UK’s total building stock. These types of properties are typically defined as being built before 1919 and they are constructed using solid walls, and natural materials like stone, brick, wood and earth.
Heritage buildings are buildings of great historical or artistic value that are officially protected to stop it being changed or destroyed. In other words, as noted by Government Property Agency, they are considered “assets in the sense of buildings worth retaining for their character and significance”.
Given the unique characteristics of these properties, this means there are several factors that you need to consider when decarbonising and retrofitting them.
Benefits of retrofitting
Retrofitting focuses on enhancing the energy and environmental performance of buildings through technological innovations; a technique which is necessary in older properties.
When combined with tenants adopting energy-efficient changes and regular maintenance, retrofitting aims to reduce heat loss through walls, doors, windows, floors, and roofs, which in turn lowers heating costs, energy consumption, and carbon emissions.
Barriers to retrofitting homes
Many heritage properties are “moisture open,” meaning moisture can enter and exit through features like timber flooring and ventilation via chimney chutes and drafts. This requires special treatment to avoid issues such as dampness and mould.
Additionally, due to the historical value of these properties, there can be planning challenges. Traditional homes are often located in areas with restrictions on development rights, making retrofit activities like installing solar panels or heat pumps more difficult.
How to responsibly retrofit for heritage properties
As a landlord, retrofitting a heritage property requires a careful and balanced approach to ensure energy efficiency, preserve the building’s character, and improve the comfort and health of tenants. The key is to follow a ‘Whole Building Approach’ and a ‘Joined-Up Process’, as outlined in the Historic England guide to responsible retrofit of traditional buildings.
The Whole Building Approach focuses on three key areas:
- Fabric Measures – Improving insulation, draught-proofing, windows, and structural elements like pointing and gutters.
- Services – Upgrading heating, ventilation, controls, and adding renewable energy systems.
- People – Educating your tenants on how to use and maintain the building effectively.
Each of these areas impacts the others, so changes in one, for instance, installing insulation) will affect things like air quality, windows, and heating. By taking a holistic approach, you ensure the systems work together and that the building’s location, history, and condition are all considered.
The process of retrofitting should be planned carefully to maximise benefits, also using the Joined-Up Process:
- Assessment – Start by understanding the building’s condition, energy use, and heritage value.
- Design – Create a strategy that integrates all these aspects, using low-impact materials and focusing on high-quality installation.
- Installation – Work with experienced contractors who understand the importance of maintaining the building’s integrity. Make sure checks and feedback are part of the process.
- Maintenance – Provide your tenants with clear instructions on how to look after the building, including tips on preventing damp or mould.
By taking the time to plan, invest in quality, and communicate with your tenants, you can ensure a responsible retrofit that improves your property’s value, sustainability, and tenant satisfaction.
Decarbonisation support for landlords
As a landlord, you can also consider government-backed schemes that can help property owners upgrade their homes, including heritage buildings.
For instance, the Energy Company Obligation, a government energy efficiency scheme designed to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions, is in its fourth iteration (ECO4), and will run until March 2026. Other energy efficiency schemes can be found on the Energy Efficiency Association website.
If you need further information about decarbonising your heritage property, getting in touch with a property management company can help.
As a bespoke property management company in London, we are experienced in ensuring the efficiency of buildings through various methods, including the application of green technologies in the built environment and more.
Discover our top tips for maximising property energy efficiency or send us an enquiry through our contact page to learn how we can help you.